The traditional burial house of the Co Tu people is a work of art that harmoniously combines architecture, sculpture, and spirituality.

Preserving the national spirit through every detail.

Born into a family with a long tradition of making tombstones, Mr. Pham Xuan Tin began learning the craft at the young age of 11. He often accompanied his father to remote villages, starting with simple tasks such as carving patterns that his father had already drawn.

When he reached a high level of skill, he began sculpting round statues for guests to place around the tomb. In his memory, he hasn't forgotten his first sculptures, such as the statue of a person carrying a basket, a dancer, or a person playing gongs... "My father was very proud when he saw these first works," he recalled. He became a renowned sculptor throughout the villages.

One day in early December, at the village hall in the center of Nam Dong district, a group of Co Tu artisans diligently carved and painted blocks of wood into works of art bearing the strong imprint of traditional culture. Among them, Mr. Pham Xuan Tin is known as the "grand master." At the age of 70, he still maintains the flame of passion and a sense of responsibility for the craft passed down from his ancestors. "This work requires meticulousness and deep knowledge of culture, so I always carefully check each pattern and each detail," Mr. Tin shared.

The traditional tomb of the Co Tu people is a work of art that harmoniously blends architecture, sculpture, and spirituality. From the pillars and roof to the motifs, everything carries profound meaning, reflecting the worldview of the Co Tu people. Among them, the a chua (the roof of the tomb) is considered the "soul" of the entire structure. The a chua is often carved with the head of a buffalo or a goat, symbolizing the connection between the living and the deceased, as well as reverence for ancestors.

On the day we arrived, Mr. Tin was adjusting the ancestral tomb's structure. He was erasing some inaccurate details made by his apprentices. For him, building a tomb is not just an art but also related to religious beliefs. Even a slight mistake is unacceptable. Therefore, he always instructs his apprentices to work carefully, because this is not only a structure for the deceased but also a spiritual heritage.

Besides the a chua (a type of wooden coffin), the single-piece coffin also showcases the sculpting skill and meticulousness of the artisans. The coffin is made from a large tree trunk, split in half and hollowed out to hold the body. The lid is carved with similar patterns to the a chua, creating harmony between the components. "The motifs on the coffin and the tomb all reflect the Co Tu people's beliefs about the universe, life, and death. From constellations and trees to animals like geckos and roosters, they all carry profound meanings," Mr. Tin further explained.

With decades of experience, Mr. Tin has shifted from using precious woods like ironwood and teak, which are becoming increasingly scarce, to alternative materials like cement. However, he still retains the traditional patterns to preserve cultural values.

Training the next generation to preserve the craft.

Since 2020, Mr. Pham Xuan Tin has dedicated more time to teaching his craft to the younger generation. In Thuong Lo commune, he has opened a training class for 20 students, including both young people and experienced artisans. “Building tombs and sculpting statues are easy to learn, but talent is needed to achieve beauty,” he shared. Many of his students have won awards in competitions, such as Mr. Tran Van A Hinh, who won an Encouragement Award at the Traditional Sculpture Workshop in 2023.

In addition to teaching, he is also directly involved in local cultural preservation projects. The model tombs he and his students create are not only practical but also valuable resources, helping the younger generation understand and appreciate their national heritage. Pham Xuan Tin's dedication not only keeps the craft of tomb sculpting alive but also spreads a spirit of national cultural pride. His and his students' works are both works of art and symbols of love and respect for ancestors, community, and homeland.

Text and photos: Thai Chau